21 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine for First Timers (From a Florida Local)
Growing up about an hour away, I’ve loved discovering the best things to do in St. Augustine. I’ve seen this historic town go from more hippie vibes to really owning its historical presence.
From field trips as a kid to day trips as an adult, I’ve explored St. Augustine countless times. Whether you’re interested in history, museums, food and drink, or getting out in nature, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
When it comes to fun things to do in St. Augustine, this town delivers whether it’s your first time or not!
21 Best Things to Do in St. Augustine for First Timers
St. Augustine has so much interesting history, great food, and plenty of nature nearby, so you can truly find something for everyone!
I’ve written this list with first-time visitors in mind, and I’ve prioritized it based on what I would consider best for a first trip. Of course, this is subjective, so feel free to take what you like to create a perfect 3 days in St. Augustine for your trip.
Most of these recommendations come from my own visits over the years, while a few are attractions I’ve researched extensively or have been recommended by family and friends who visit St. Augustine regularly.
One example is the Alligator Farm since I’ve grown up in Florida and seen gators my whole life, it’s not a high priority for me. However, if you’re visiting Florida with your family, this is a great activity to see and learn about the alligator!
With all this in mind, let’s get into the best things to do in St. Augustine for first timers.
Only have one day? If you’re short on time, I’ve already mapped out the perfect route in my 1 Day in St. Augustine Itinerary, so you don’t have to figure out what to prioritize or how to fit everything together.
At a Glance: Things to Do in St. Augustine for First Timers
Deciding what to do in St. Augustine can feel overwhelming. This chart is a quick reference to offer some direction, but keep scrolling to learn more about each one so you can choose the right activities and sites for your trip!
| If you’re interested in… | Don’t miss… |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ History | Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, Fort Matanzas |
| 🌅 Scenic Views | Lighthouse, Sunset Cruise, St. Augustine Beach |
| 🍴 Food & Drinks | Food Tour, St. Augustine Distillery, San Sebastián Winery, Whetstone Chocolates |
| 👨👩👧👦 Families | Alligator Farm, Fountain of Youth, Old Town Trolley |
| 🌿 Nature | Kayak Tour, Fort Mose, St. Augustine Beach |
| 💰 Free Activities | Historic District, Mission Nombre de Dios, St. Augustine Beach, Fort Matanzas, Nights of Lights* |
*Seasonal, but free to enjoy on foot.
Walk the Historic Streets of Old Town
Walking the historic streets of Old Town is not only free to do, but it’s fun, interesting, and full of charm. Walk by the Matanzas River and enjoy the Bridge of Lions. Head over to Plaza de la Constitución and admire the Cathedral Basilica.
Then stroll down St. George Street and enjoy the shops. St. Augustine has charm, history, and a bit of quirkiness, which is all evident just by walking around its Historic District.
Visit Castillo de San Marcos
The fort is something I’ve visited several times over my life, because it’s a popular school field trip. Of course, this massive fort is noticeable and seen while exploring the Historic District. Head here in the morning to beat the crowds (and heat if you visit in the summer).
The official website says weapons demonstrations happen on Saturdays and Sundays, with the first one at 10:30AM. Get there when it opens at 9AM to explore and enjoy the weapons demonstration as you’re leaving. Check their site to see of any schedule changes.
Seek Out the Fountain of Youth
When I visited as an adult years ago, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I learned a lot, enjoyed the peacocks, and had fun exploring the park. The adult ticket price seems on the high end for spending a couple hours, but overall it’s a great stop for history lovers.
Also, be sure to grab some photos of Magnolia Avenue before or after your time here. The tree canopy is beautiful!
Visit Lightner Museum
The Lightner Museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in St. Augustine and is close to Flagler College. I’ve passed and admired this building many times before realizing it is Lightner Museum.
I have yet to visit the actual museum, but even if you’re not usually a “museum person,” this one is worth a stop just for the architecture alone. The courtyard area, which is free to visit, is gorgeous!
During Christmas in St. Augustine, it always has lights and makes a beautiful stop! One of these days, I’ll check out the museum, but I can confirm it’s worth appreciating even if for a few minutes. If you’re already walking through the Historic District, this fits in easily without needing a lot of extra time.
Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse
It’s been years since I climbed the St. Augustine Lighthouse, but I remember it offering great views and it wasn’t a difficult climb. Once you arrive to the top, you’ll be rewarded with sights of the Atlantic Ocean, Matanzas Bay, and the historic district below.
There’s also a small museum on-site that shares the lighthouse’s history and stories of the families who once lived there.
Take a Sunset Cruise on Matanzas Bay
A sunset cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to experience St. Augustine. You’ll get a completely different perspective of the city from the water, especially as the sun starts to set behind the skyline and the Bridge of Lions lights up.
Some cruises include narration about local history, while others are more laid-back and focused on the views and wildlife. Additionally, if you visit during Christmas, you’ll get to see the Nights of Lights. My friend takes her kids every year for this and they love it!
Try a Food Tour
I love a food tour and it is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for the city’s local flavors while also learning a bit of history along the way. You’ll typically stop at a mix of restaurants and small local spots, sampling dishes influenced by the region’s Spanish and coastal roots.
While I love a food tour, Little Havana’s food tour spoiled me and I ended up feeling disappointed by the St. Augustine one I did. I recommend this food tour (St. Augustine’s Wine, Cocktail and Food Experience) as I wasn’t impressed by the Corks and Forks one I did. It lacked history, was dessert heavy, and just wasn’t worth it to me.
If you want a deeper breakdown of what it’s like, I’ve reviewed my experience here: St. Augustine Food Tour Review
Take a Private History Tour
If you want a more personalized experience, a private history tour is a great option. I did a private history tour recently and absolutely loved it!
This Pastime Tours: Step back in time with pastime private historical tours exceeded my expectations and it was so fun riding around the Historic District in a historic fashion.
If you have a larger group, there are plenty of other options as well. Of course, if you’re only in St. Augustine for one day, this can offer a great overview allowing time to explore the rest of the day.
Read more about my experience on the Private History Tour: St. Augustine Private History Tour Review: A Fun Way to Explore America’s Oldest City
Tour Flagler College
Flagler College is one of the most impressive buildings in St. Augustine. Originally built as the Ponce de León Hotel, it’s a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture.
You can explore parts of the campus on your own, but taking a guided tour gives you access to the grand dining hall, lobby areas, and detailed stories about its history.
Even if you don’t tour inside, it’s worth walking around the exterior just to take in the design. It’s another stop that is easy to add while exploring the Historic District.
Ride the Trolley Around the Top Sights
The Old Town Trolley is one of the easiest ways to see a lot of St. Augustine without worrying about parking or walking long distances.
It’s hop-on, hop-off style, so you can use it to get between major attractions like the Historic District, the Lighthouse, and the Old Jail Museum.
This is especially helpful if you’re only in town for a short time or visiting during hot weather. Trust me, you will sweat more than you can imagine if you visit in the summer.
Explore Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas is one of the best free things to do in St. Augustine. It’s way smaller than Castillo de San Marcos, but it’s quieter, free, and requires a ferry to visit, which makes it feel like a different kind of experience.
It’s a great stop if you want something historical but less crowded. Free tickets are first-come, first-served and includes a history explanation from the ranger once you’re at the fort.
Read more about visiting Fort Matanzas National Monument: Visiting Fort Matanzas National Monument: The Free Florida Fort Most People Have Never Heard Of
Visit Nights of Lights at Christmas
If you’re visiting between November and January, Nights of Lights completely transforms St. Augustine. The entire Historic District is covered in lights, and it feels like walking through a holiday postcard.
You can explore on foot, take a trolley tour, or even book a boat cruise to see the lights from the water. I’ve only ever explored on foot, but my friend takes her daughters for the Nights of Lights river cruises and they love it.
Christmas in St. Augustine is one of the most popular times to visit the city for a reason.
Check out my guides if you’re visiting during Christmas: Christmas in St. Augustine: The Ultimate Guide to Lights, Markets & Holiday Fun and Where to Stay in St. Augustine for Christmas: Best Areas & Festive Hotels
Relax at St. Augustine Beach
If you need a break from sightseeing, St. Augustine Beach is an easy escape. It’s wide, relaxed, and less crowded than many Florida beach destinations.
You can walk the shoreline, grab something to eat nearby, or just unwind after a busy day of exploring the Historic District.
My family did a reunion at St. Augustine Beach and it was lovely. Driving is allowed on the beach and will get busy on weekends, but overall it’s less busy than other beaches in Florida!
Walk the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum Garden
With years of visiting St. Augustine under my belt, I only recently got to experience the Mission Nombre de Dios. It was the private history tour that first took me here, though I had it bookmarked already because I knew I wanted to visit.
My friend and I came back after the tour and then I visited with another friend who also grew up coming to St. Augustine but had never visited!
It’s absolutely so charming and peaceful. Some of it is shaded and some not, but it’s now one of my favorite places when I’m in town. Oh and it’s one of the best free things to do in St. Augustine for first timers or people like me who just didn’t know about it!
Explore Fort Mose
Fort Mose is an important historical site and was the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States.
Today, it’s a peaceful park with walking trails and a small museum that shares its history.
One reviewer mentioned staying two hours to enjoy the park and the history. I haven’t visited Fort Mose yet, but once I do, I’ll be sure to update you. I do love a nice nature walk in the cooler months and it sounds like the history alone is worth a visit.
Visit the Alligator Farm
The Alligator Farm is one of the oldest zoological attractions in the country and is a fun stop if you’re traveling with kids or just want something different.
You’ll see alligators, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife, plus elevated boardwalks that give you great viewing angles.
It’s more interactive and casual compared to the historic attractions downtown. This would be a great stop for a family or anyone interested in seeing alligators more up close.
While I haven’t been to Alligator Farm yet, I have been to other gator experiences and they usually have great demonstrations with a fun but educational style.
Tasting at the Saint Augustine Distillery
The St. Augustine Distillery is a great stop for adults looking for something a bit different. It’s located in a restored ice plant and offers free tours that explain how their spirits are made.
You’ll usually get to sample a few of their signature drinks and then in true Disney-like fashion, you end in the gift shop.
When I did it, the experience was free, but it looks like they now charge a very small fee which you get to use as a discount in the gift shop. It’s worth doing even with the small fee, but I’ll just have to go again on my next trip to truly confirm.
As a bonus, it’s right next to my favorite restaurant in St. Augustine, Ice Plant Bar.
Visit More Museums
If you still have time, St. Augustine has plenty of museums worth exploring depending on your interests. These range from quirky attractions to more historical collections.
The Lightner Museum is the standout, but others like the Pirate & Treasure Museum, Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, or Colonial-era sites can be fun additions if you enjoy indoor activities.
My friend took her sons when they were younger to the Pirate Museum and my friend told me her favorite museum is the Spanish Military Hospital Museum.
Kayak Tour in Anastasia Park
For something more active, kayaking in Anastasia State Park is a great way to experience Florida’s natural side. You might see birds, dolphins, and other wildlife depending on conditions.
Dolphin, Manatee and SeaTurtle SUP Adventure Tour of St Augustine is highly rated with over 1,400 reviews. While I haven’t paddled up in St. Augustine area yet, I love paddles in the intracoastal. It’s usually peaceful, but with plenty of chance to see wildlife.
This is great if you want a more nature-focused activity during your trip, without having to travel too far from the historic district.
Check availability for Dolphin, Manatee and SeaTurtle SUP Adventure Tour of St Augustine
Enjoy a Wine Tasting
If you’re looking for a relaxing break from sightseeing, stop by San Sebastian Winery for a wine tasting. While there aren’t vineyards on-site, you can sample a variety of Florida wines, learn a bit about the winemaking process, and browse the gift shop afterward.
If you have time, head upstairs to the rooftop restaurant for lunch, dinner, or a glass of wine while enjoying views over St. Augustine. It’s an easy stop just outside the Historic District and a nice option for adults looking to slow down between attractions.
I have plenty of friends who love wine and I know from them that Florida wine overall isn’t great. However, it could still be a fun experience and they do have a rooftop area, which can be beautiful at sunset.
Chocolate Tasting at Whetstone Chocolates
Whetstone Chocolates is a fun stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. You can learn a bit about how chocolate is made and sample different varieties.
It’s a quick experience, but an easy add-on while exploring downtown.
I did this recently, and while it was fun, I wouldn’t prioritize it unless you’re looking for a family-friendly tasting. Though chocolate is always delicious, and this isn’t far from the historic center, so you can easily add it on to your day.
Final Thoughts on What to Do in St. Augustine for First Time Visitors
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a long weekend, I hope this guide helped you narrow down what to do in St. Augustine. It can be time-consuming to plan a trip, so I wanted to ensure you had options without feeling overwhelmed and also knew what to prioritize.
If you’re looking for more trip planning help, check out my full St. Augustine guide or explore more destinations in Florida.
I hope you have the best time exploring St. Augustine and enjoy your time in my home state!
